Groton-Dunstable School News!

Welcome to the October edition of the School Committee Newsletter!

It has been a busy month for the School District and School Committee.

In this issue, you’ll find updates on:

• Robotomies Season Underway
• School Budget Outlook
• Swallow Union Roof Repair
• Food Services Survey Link
• Curriculum Corner
• October Meeting Recap
• School Committee Intros
• Helpful Links, Information, and Upcoming Dates

The Robotomies team recently attended a School Committee meeting to share an overview of their team, their work, and the upcoming season. Their season will kick into high gear on January 7th, when they receive the specifications for the robot they will be challenged to design and build for this year's competitions.

The team gave an impressive presentation covering the history of the program, the process of designing and building their robots, and what to expect at competitions. They also shared that, although they have qualified for the FIRST New England District Competition in previous years, they have not been able to attend due to the cost of registration. Following the presentation, the School Committee had the opportunity to see last year's robot in action and even take a turn driving it!

The students were incredibly well-spoken and enthusiastic, and their dedication, hard work, and passion for the program were evident throughout the presentation. It was especially impressive to hear how they have continued to build competitive robots and hold their own against teams from districts with significantly more funding. Through their creativity, innovation, determination, and a whole lot of hard work, they have accomplished so much with a very limited budget.

The School Committee wishes the Robotomies the very best of luck this season! We also want to share their fundraising link with the community in hopes of helping them reach their goal of attending the FIRST New England District Competition this year. If you are able to contribute, any support would be greatly appreciated!

At the October 21 School Committee meeting, Dr. Bruno provided an update on the FY28 budget, which is currently under development.

Over the summer, a budget working group led by Groton Town Manager Mark Haddad and Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva met several times to review financial projections for the school district and both towns and explore strategies for addressing the projected budget gaps. The group developed several recommendations for the Select Boards in both towns and the School Committee that were focused on long-term sustainability. The goal is to keep municipal and school budgets as lean and efficient as possible while continuing to provide the best services and educational opportunities for our communities.

Following the working group's recommendations, the Select Boards in both towns met to discuss potential budget scenarios and ways to meet the FY28 school assessment. Both towns are planning to pursue operational overrides, with tiered ballot questions intended to give voters options at different funding levels.

Budget discussions will continue over the coming months, and additional information will be shared as plans develop.

• September 2026: School Committee established budget priorities and approved budget guidance and the FY28 budget calendar.
• September-October: Administration and department directors began budget development, including operating and capital requests.
• October 16: Operating budget requests due to Central Office.
• October-January: Administration develops the proposed budget based on School Committee guidance, enrollment projections, and department requests.
• December: Preliminary budget placeholder provided to the towns.
• January 2027: State budget and funding information becomes available; Superintendent’s budget is presented to the School Committee and made available to the public.
• January-February: School Committee reviews the proposed budget, submits questions, and conducts budget deliberations.
• February: Public hearing on the proposed budget.
• February-March: Community budget forums and continued School Committee budget discussions.
• March 10: School Committee adopts and certifies the FY28 budget. **After this date, the school budget can be decreased but not increased.**
• Late April/Early May: Groton Town Meeting
• May 10 @ 7 PM: Dunstable Town Meeting
• May 18: Annual Town Elections

As some in the community may already be aware, the roof at Swallow Union Elementary School has required ongoing repairs over the past several years. The district has worked to address leaks and related issues as they arise, but this is becoming increasingly challenging and ineffective. These efforts have provided short-term relief, but continued repairs are no longer a sustainable long-term solution. Addressing the roof issues is an important priority to protect the school building and preserve this community asset for years to come.

In recognition of this need, the district applied to the Massachusetts School Building Authority's (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program and was invited into the program on October 29, 2025.

The MSBA Accelerated Repair Program provides an opportunity for eligible school districts to receive partial state funding for critical repairs and replacements, including roof projects. Although the community must authorize funding for the full project cost upfront, the MSBA is expected to reimburse at least 51% of eligible project costs, which will help significantly reduce the project's ultimate net cost to the community.

The district is currently completing the schematic design phase, which is scheduled to go before the MSBA Board of Directors for review and approval on April 28, 2027. If approved, the Town will have 90 days to secure funding for the project. Although voters will need to authorize funding for the full project cost, the amount the Town is ultimately responsible for borrowing will be significantly reduced by MSBA reimbursement. The district anticipates that the project will be brought before voters through an appropriation at Annual Town Meeting, currently expected to take place around May 10, 2027, followed by a ballot vote to authorize the necessary borrowing. Additional information about the proposed scope of work, anticipated costs, state reimbursement, and local funding requirements will be shared with the community as the project progresses.

Repairing the roof is an important investment in protecting our school building and ensuring it remains a safe and functional space for students and staff for years to come.

Our food service provider, Whitson's, is looking for feedback from students, parents, and staff! Now through November 6th, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey using the button or QR code below and share your thoughts. Your feedback is appreciated and helps inform future improvements to our school food service program.

We are currently gathering nominations for our next Staff Spotlight Presentation! This is a wonderful time of year to show appreciation for the people who make a difference in our schools by nominating a staff member for recognition.

Nominations are welcome from staff, students, parents, and community members. We would love your help shining a spotlight on one (or more!) of our amazing staff members and recognizing the contributions they make to our school community. All staff members are eligible for nomination!

To submit a nomination, please complete the form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_OtR2o61mn30WoiCm8VXRm_LFHeGIShGDVzUzR5j56mujwg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Seal of Biliteracy

We are pleased to share the 2026-2027 notification of GDRSD’s participation in the Seal of Biliteracy. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts established this seal to recognize Massachusetts high school graduates who demonstrate high proficiency in English and another language. Please see the letters below for additional information.

Seal of Biliteracy Notification - English

Notificación sobre el Sello de Bilingüismo - Español

Notificação sobre o Selo de Biliteramento – Português

إشعار بشأن ختم إتقان لغتين (Seal of Biliteracy) - اللغة العربية

Opting in for Surveys

In the past, as most districts have done and as is required by law, GDRSD has notified caregivers of surveys or screeners given to students and has invited caregivers to opt their students out if they prefer their students not to participate. Aligned with new guidance, the district has moved to a model of requiring caregivers or eligible students to actively opt into certain surveys and screeners instead.

This change means that when you receive a notification about an eligible survey, if you wish for your student to complete the survey or screener, you must complete the form giving your permission. If the district does not receive a response from you, your student will not be permitted to complete the survey or screener.

Please note that this only applies to surveys and screeners in certain categories. Specifics of the requirement under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) can be found here.

The surveys and screeners that are affected include those that the district uses to identify students for risks related to mental health, dangerous behavior, substance abuse, or suicide. We believe that our screening and early intervention make an important difference for students and strongly encourage families to look for invitations to participate and to provide their approval. Please contact Jill Greene, Director of Student Services with questions.

The School Committee recently approved an updated 2026-2027 school calendar. The only change was to switch the date of graduation to June 4, 2027. For important dates to be aware of in November, please see below.

1/2 Days, No School, Term End and Parent Teacher Conferences

• November 3 Staff Development Day – No School
• November 5 End of Term 1
• November 11 Veterans’ Day Observed – No School
• November 23 District ½ Day, District Evening Conferences
• November 24 District ½ Day, District Afternoon Conferences
• November 25 Thanksgiving Recess – ½ Day
• November 26-27 Thanksgiving – No School
• December 11- 1/2 Day District
• December 18- 1/2 PreK-4

• November 4 (7 PM Virtual)
• November 18 (7 PM Middle School Performing Arts Center)
• December 2 (7 PM Middle School Performing Arts Center)
• December 16 (7 PM Middle School Performing Arts Center)

Didn't catch this month's meetings? No problem- click the links below to view each meeting in its entirety, or skip to a specific segment if you just want to watch that.

• The 8th Grade Washington D.C. trip was presented, discussed and approved
• The Committee got a first look at MCAS and fall academic data
• The Committe approved the new policy to support the recently passed PROTECT Act
• Click the button below to watch the meeting recording in its entirety, or skip to the section you are interested in.

• The highlight of this meeting was definitely the Robotomies visit and that is definitely worth a watch.
• Additional agenda items included the budget update and a deeper dive into the most recent academic data.
• Click the button below to watch the meeting recording in its entirety, or skip to the section you are interested in.

We'd like to take this opportunity to introduce the members of your School Committee and help make it easier for you to connect with us. We've included a little about each member, along with the subcommittees we serve on, so you know who to reach out to with questions, ideas, or feedback. We want our community to feel comfortable connecting with us, and we welcome the opportunity to hear from you!

Rohit

I've been a Groton resident since 2014 and joined the School Committee because I believe great public schools are at the heart of a great community. I want every student to have the opportunity to thrive. I'm the Director of Admissions at the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, and both of my daughters attend Florence Roche. One of the things I value most about our schools is the dedication of our teachers and staff. Outside of the School Committee, I enjoy traveling with my wife and daughters and am always up for talking about sports!

School Committee Subcommittees: Policy and Communications

Rosanna

I've been a Groton resident for 23 years and am a licensed Occupational Therapist with my own private practice. My professional background has shaped my commitment to creating inclusive educational opportunities for all students. Two of my priorities as a School Committee member are supporting DEI initiatives and working toward tuition-free, full-day kindergarten. I especially value the dedication of our teachers and staff. Outside of the School Committee, I enjoy giving back through community service, including volunteering with Groton Neighbors, Loaves & Fishes, and Habitat for Humanity.

School Committee Subcommittees & Committees: Curriculum, Budget & Finance, DEI Advisory, and District Wellness

An Hee

I've been part of the Groton-Dunstable community for 11 years and joined the School Committee because I want to help address the growing academic and personal challenges facing today's students while finding ways for our entire community to thrive. I'm a business strategist and leader for a global nonprofit focused on developing solutions to challenges affecting learning, working, and thriving. I especially value the role our schools play in bringing families and the community together. Outside of the School Committee, I enjoy cooking, running, and eating.

School Committee Subcommittee: Budget & Finance

Justin

My family and I have called Groton home for nearly six years. After learning more about the funding challenges facing our district, I felt motivated to get involved and advocate for our schools, students, and educators. I work in video production, editing, and animation, and I especially appreciate the patience and kindness of our teachers. Outside of the School Committee, I enjoy cycling around town, spending time with my family, cutting and faceting gemstones, and breeding tropical fish!

School Committee Subcommittees: Policy and Communications

Christina

I've been part of the Groton-Dunstable community since 2009, and four of my children have attended the district. I joined the School Committee in 2024 because I wanted to strengthen the relationship between the district and the community, advocate for increased state funding and fiscal responsibility, and support academic rigor for students. I'm an architectural lighting designer, but I consider myself an editor at heart—I always have a red pen handy!

School Committee Subcommittee: Budget & Finance

Rebecca

My family and I have lived in Groton since 2022. I'm trained as a clinical and educational psychologist specializing in pediatrics, and I believe strongly in the power of education and the opportunities it creates for children. Serving on the School Committee gives me the opportunity to help shape policies that support all students in reaching their potential. One of the things I value most about our schools is the dedication of our teachers, particularly their continued commitment to students despite increasingly difficult demands and limited resources.

School Committee Subcommittee: Curriculum

Lacey

I've been part of the Groton-Dunstable community for 10 years and joined the School Committee in 2021. I've always been a strong believer in, and supporter of, public education, and I wanted to find a way to give back to my community and support our schools. I'm a family law mediator and former history and government teacher. What I value most about our schools is, without a doubt, our teachers and staff and the countless ways they go above and beyond to support students every day. Outside of the School Committee, I enjoy reading, cooking, hiking, and watching just about any sport!

School Committee Subcommittees: Policy, Communications, and Curriculum

• Dunstable Select Board: https://www.dunstable-ma.gov/user/113/contact

• Dunstable Advisory Board: https://www.dunstable-ma.gov/user/63/contact

• Groton Select Board: selectboard@grotonma.gov

• Groton Finance Committee: accountant@grotonma.gov

School Committee:

• Lacey McCabe, Chair lmccabe@gdrsd.org

• Rosanna Casavecchia, Vice-Chair rcasavecchia@gdrsd.org

• Christina Andriole, Secretary candriole@gdrsd.org

• Rohit Bhasin rbhasin@gdrsd.org

• An Hee Foley afoley@gdrsd.org

• Justin Owens jowens@gdrsd.org

• Rebecca Weksner rweksner@gdrsd.org